PROGRAMS

OUR PURPOSE IS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

SERVICE DOGS

OUR DOGS
Leashes of Valor provides meticulously trained service dogs to Veterans suffering from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Every one of our dogs receives 100+ hours of training and months of public socialization, obedience and task training. In addition, each must pass their public access testing and the industry leading Canine Good Citizen Test.

We take great pride in the quality of training that our service dogs receive and take great care in ensuring each is accurately paired with the Warrior who is their perfect match. Every one of our dogs is highly qualified to provide the practical physical and emotional support needed to empower their Warrior with greater independence.

WARRIOR TRAINING
Once a Warrior and dog have been matched, their first step together on this journey is a 16-day in-house training program on our farm in Virginia. During this time, they will receive 120 hours of hands-on training with professional canine and warrior trainers. They will also participate in practical and theoretical seminars and receive basic service dog equipment, veterinary care, meals and housing at no cost. All of this is made possible because of the generous support of our donors.

GETTING STARTED
If you are interested in applying to our program to receive one of our dogs for yourself or a loved one, please begin the process by downloading and completing our application.

TRAINING

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Leashes of Valors’ philosophy is to pair each Warrior with a top quality trained service dog and ensure their public access training is achieved. We ensure the Warrior is in an environment that fosters the opportunity to be part of the solution to their recovery.

Matt Masingill, K9 Director at Leashes of Valor, heads up our kennel and leads all of training and trainers. Matt is a 21-year veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of the Carson Long Military Academy. Our facility is located on 20 acres and the planned kennel will house between 18-25 rescued shelter dogs while they go through their rigorous service dog training. Once these brave dogs are paired with their warrior, they stay with their warrior tethered for the entire 16 days of training. This allows for the warrior and their new service dog to strengthen their bond.

Our organization upholds the highest quality of service dog training and overall canine care. We invest in continued education for our canine and Warrior trainers. We ensure our LOV team provide our Warriors with customized training tools that cater to each individual service canine’s needs, as these Warriors lives may depend on it.​

SEMINARS

In addition to our work raising and training service dogs and pairing them with veterans, Leashes of Valor also commits a great deal of time to public education and advocacy on behalf of service dogs and veterans.

OUR EXPERIENCE
We have served as subject matter experts on panels ranging in focus from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to service dogs, military spouse concerns and many other important issues effecting veterans. Our extensive experience and knowledge in program management, leadership and development, service dog training for veterans, and Veteran training of service dogs is greatly sought after by those looking to support these communities.

SEMINARS, SPEAKING
ENGAGEMENTS AND INTERVIEWS

We have lobbied in support of veterans’ rights, and provided research and content addendums for military working dog policies for the Armed Services Committee. We have also assisted the Government Accountability Office in their investigation into working dog healthcare post retirement.

Members of our team have spoken on over 50 major news outlets including CNN, FOX News, Fox and Friends, The Today Show, and MSNBC, sharing their incredible stories and their expert knowledge.

EMERGENCY CARE

If you are in need of catastrophic emergency care for your working or retired service dog and can’t afford to pay for it, we are here to help. Leashes of Valor Dust Off Program can assist you in covering the costs.

WE WILL PROVIDE

grants for emergency veterinary care for retired working dogs and services dogs to ensure that they receive the necessary care they deserve for serving our nation and our nations warriors.

THESE GRANTS WILL

be facilitated through other respectable and vetted working dog organizations to make sure you are able to get access to the services and care you and your dog need.